of Little Rock, AR
November 29, 1943 - February 6, 2025
Dr. James Harper Bledsoe, 81, of Little Rock (by way of Rogers), Arkansas passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Thursday, February 6, 2025. Born on November 29, 1943 in Warren, Arkansas, Jim was the second of five children born to the late Rev. Doyle and Mildred Bledsoe.
After graduating high school in Stuttgart, Jim completed his undergraduate degree at Ouachita Baptist, followed by medical school at UAMS. On January 22, 1972, Jim married Cecile Herndon and together they had three children: Greg, Samuel and Tricia. After his surgical residency, Jim fulfilled his military service at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL and he was honorably discharged having attained the rank of Major. He then chose Northwest Arkansas to call home and practice as a general surgeon for over 40 years, impacting the lives of countless patients with not just his skills, but his kindness and compassion, too. Jim was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and served on its Credentialing Committee.
Upon retiring from private practice, Jim launched into his second career as the Medical Director for EMS and Trauma for the Arkansas Department of Health. He spent many hardworking but also enjoyable years there, retiring in 2022.
Jim's pride and joy was his family. He was Cecile's best and most loyal supporter as she served in the Arkansas House and Senate for two decades. His sons followed in his footsteps and both graduated medical school at UAMS and are practicing physicians in central Arkansas. His daughter went to law school and practices healthcare law in Indianapolis.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Cecile; children, Greg and Sara Bledsoe, Samuel and Kelly Bledsoe all of Little Rock, and Tricia Freije and fiancé Shawn Kenney of Indianapolis. He also leaves behind a cherished legacy in his ten grandchildren: Reagan, Taylor, Joshua, Harper, Jaden, Maddox, Emery, Asher, Tatum and Hannah. Jim is also survived by his brothers, Ben (Susan) and Bob (Carol) and sisters, Nancy (Don) Chandler and Millie (Keith) Rollins; as well as Cecile's sisters, Patricia (Van) Waters and Camille (Brad) Ward who considered Jim a brother, too.
Jim's life was a testimony of faithfulness to his friends, to his family and most importantly, to his faith. His love for his family was second only to his love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His family grieves and mourns his passing, but takes such comfort in the truth that he is now in his heavenly home.
Rest in Peace, Dad. You fought the good fight, you finished the race, and you kept the faith.
Visitation will be held at St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Little Rock on Wednesday, February 12th at 12:00pm with the funeral service beginning at 1:00pm. Funeral arrangements are being provided by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15012248300.
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29 Condolence(s)
Rita Norwood Duren
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Cecile and boys. I just heard of Dr Bledsoe’s home going. I remember my mom Mary Norwood baby sitting you boys while your folks worked. I have sweet memories of Dr Bledsoe. He was a faithful man of God. He and Cecile raised their family in the love of God and gave them a wonderful example of a loving home. God bless you Cecile and your family. We will meet again in our heavenly home. Rita Norwood Duren
Ron Lemke
Monday, February 17, 2025
Grimsley and Carol Graham
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Cecile: I just saw Jim's obituary in today's paper, and I was both surprised and saddened. I have fond memories of him from the old Medservices days and remember vividly when he would bring little Greg and Sam by the clinic. He was truly a good man. I wish you the peace that passes all understanding and may you find comfort in all of your ten grandchildren.
Grimsley and Carol
Pete and Sharleen Rathmell
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Jim and Cecile have been very good friends for many years. We will never forget the time we had lunch together in Little Rock. As one Veteran to another Rest In Peace Jim.
Sheila Hurd
Thursday, February 13, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. Dr Bledsoe was an inspiration to me as a faithful man who loved his Lord and family. I pray that the Lord will comfort you in your hour of need.
Millie Neville
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Senator Bledsoe, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
John Cooper
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Sue and I send our thoughts and prayer to all of your families. It was an honor to get to know Jim. I know he will be greatly missed.
John and Sue Cooper
Martin Roger Smith
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
My deepest condolences to Cecil and the Bledsoe Family. It was great privilege to get to know Dr. Bledsoe while Cecil was serving in Arkansas General Assembly.
He was a very compassionate and generous man. He leaves a great legessie through his wonderful children. He had a most powerful impact on the lives of so many.
Dana Floyd
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Dr. Jim will always be remembered for his love for God, family and friends, his love and dedication of service to his community. My thoughts and prayers are with Cecile and family.
Mary K Timmons
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
"PRAYING for the Family" "GOD BLESS and MUCH LOVE"
Rose Mimms
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
My deepest sympathies to Cecile, children and grandchildren and all Jim’s extended family. He will always be remembered for his kindness and gentle spirit. May he rest in the arms of Jesus in eternal peace. He lives on in our memories always in our heart. We will meet again. Love and prayers for you all.
Linda Somerville
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Rogers was so fortunate to have Dr.Bledsoe start his practice here He was a valued friend and as a doctor saved my life while we were both still practicing in Rogers
Dr Jan T Turley- Retired and living in Eureka Springs
My sincere condolences to his family
Linda Somerville
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Rogers was so fortunate to have Dr.Bledsoe start his practice here He was a valued friend and as a doctor saved my life while we were both still practicing in Rogers
Dr Jan T Turley- Retired and living in Eureka Springs
My sincere condolences to his family
Asa Hutchinson
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Jim was an incredible friend, public servant and encourager. Susan and I have been blessed to know Jim. He always had an encouraging word for me and I am so grateful he was willing to bring his extraordinary skills as a physician and servant heart to the Department of Health during my administration. Jim took care of my Mom and we are grateful for his care. His legacy is reflected in his family and in all who call him friend and Dr.
Asa and Susan Hutchinson
Patrick & Susan Sbarra
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Jim was so good to stop in the road as he was driving up the street & would see one of us walking our dogs to visit & ask how we were doing. Such a kind & caring friend & neighbor. We have missed you both as neighbors but look forward to “when we all get to heaven; what a day of rejoicing that will be!” Love & prayers of comfort to Cecile & family. Susan & Patrick
George/Cheryl Westmoreland
Monday, February 10, 2025
What a kind and Godly man, wonderful surgeon, and a respected friend! He will be missed by many in Northwest Arkansas. “Well done My good and faithful servant “.
Thinking of his family,
George and Cheryl Westmoreland
Reginald Rogers
Monday, February 10, 2025
Cecile, Greg, Sam, Tricia and the Bledsoe Family: May God grant you strength at this time of loss. This is time to honor a life well-lived. Dr. Jim Bledsoe served our beloved Country, our beloved State and his beloved Family all of his life. I had the good fortune to work with Dr. Bledsoe at the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) when Dr. Bledsoe was the Medical Director for our ADH EMS Section. His knowledge and medical expertise were outstanding. Equally as impressive was his concern for the well-being of all Arkansans. He was dedicated to his job and worked extremely hard. He was brilliant but humble. He was kind to everyone no matter their job or station in life. It was wonderful to work for him. He always made me feel welcome. I also had the opportunity to meet his family. I enjoyed interacting with all of them as well. Cecile, and Dr. Jim made a wonderful couple. May Dr. Jim Bledsoe Rest in the Peace of Christ in Heaven with all of our Loved Ones who have Ascended to Heaven. Reginald Rogers Arkansas Department of Health, Office of Legal Counsel
Larry Floyd
Monday, February 10, 2025
Bob and I lived in the same dorm room 4 years after Jim and my brother did at Ouachita. Sorry to hear of his passing but know he is in his heavenly home.
Sanford E Hutson MD
Monday, February 10, 2025
So sorry to hear of Jim Bledsoe's passing. I graduated with him from Stuttgart High School in 1961 and had kept in touch a few times when I was Medical Director of BCBS Medicare and SS Disability Determination in Little Rock years ago. I was proud of his medical work and assisting in so many ways with medical entities and participating in the Arkansas House and Senate.
Jim was on our State Championship Stuttgart Ricebird football team the season of 1960 and started on our offensive line. The last few years I kept in touch with Jim and discussed our career activities and talked about the old memories we had. God bless Cecile and the immediate family.
Sanford E Hutson MD > retired and living in Hot Springs, AR
Jim Myers
Monday, February 10, 2025
Jim was on my short list of men I most respected and admired. He was a great role model as a husband, father, physician and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him!
Robert Brech
Monday, February 10, 2025
Jim was simply one of the most honest and decent men I have ever had the honor to meet. I am proud to have gotten the opportunity to know him and always enjoyed our conversations. I just wish there had been more of them. I will miss him and will pray for Cecile and all of his family.
John Mertz
Monday, February 10, 2025
Jim thanks for all your great care and compassion for so many patients in Northwest Arkansas. You certainly finished well. May God bless your family in this time of grief.
Porter Briggs
Monday, February 10, 2025
A great and loving man. I was honored to call him a friend. Porter.
Janet Johnson
Monday, February 10, 2025
Dearest Cecile,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I remember serving with you as a gracious public servant to your constituents. Good bless you in this time of loss.
Respectfully,
Janet Johnson
Eddie Cheatham
Monday, February 10, 2025
Thoughts and prayers for the family. Jim was thoughtful, kind, always concerned about others and just a joy to be around. Special prayers for Cecile!
Laura Perkins
Monday, February 10, 2025
My thoughts and prayers to the entire family. He always had a smile and a kind word when coming to pick up the mail. A man to remembered
Nancy Chandler
Monday, February 10, 2025
So many memories of Jim, but my favorite right now, is that Bob and I had such a sweet visit with him just 2 days before his Home going! To rest in knowing where he is now, means everything!
Meredith Woosley
Monday, February 10, 2025
Praying for you Sam, Kelly and family.
"And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace".
The Woosleys- Meredith, Baxter
Mark Linkous
Monday, February 10, 2025
My thoughts and Prayers are with You.